The Immigration Agency seeks to reduce waiting times for status changes

Currently, waiting in some places for a change of status can reach up to 38 months (3 years and one month) (The Immigration Agency (USCIS) will implement a national strategy to reduce the processing times of naturalization applications and applications for permanent residence registration or Adjustment of status

Since the end of 2015, the immigration agency has experienced an increase in processing times due to volumes greater than those expected during fiscal years (AF) 2016 and 2017 that did not decrease as originally projected. The receipts for fiscal year 2017 increased by 15.6% with respect to fiscal year 2016, and receipts for fiscal year 2016 increased by 25.5% with respect to fiscal year 2015. The increase in the volumes of submission of applications did not affect the foreign immigration offices, which resulted in some disparity in processing times between outside offices.

However, these load changes will not affect where applicants attend their biometric appointments. We will continue to direct you to the nearest application support center. Applicants must follow the instructions in any notice they receive from USCIS.

The USCIS remains committed to awarding applications, petitions and applications for immigration benefits in the most effective and efficient manner possible in accordance with all applicable laws, policies and regulations, while ensuring the integrity of the immigration system.